Stored-value card with chamber

ABSTRACT

A stored-value card includes a first housing member, a second housing member, and an account identifier. The first housing member defines a chamber, and the second housing member defines a cavity. The second housing member is coupled with the first housing member to place the chamber and the cavity in communication with each other and to enclose the chamber and the cavity between the first housing member and the second housing member. The first housing member and the second housing member collectively define a housing. The account identifier is coupled with the housing, is machine readable, and is adapted to link the stored-value card to a financial account or a financial record. Financial transaction cards, methods of promoting sales of stored-value cards, methods of using a stored-value card and other embodiments are also disclosed.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of and claims priority under 35U.S.C. § 120 to U.S. Utility patent application Ser. No. 11/404,367,entitled “STORED-VALUE CARD WITH BUBBLE WAND,” having a filing date ofApr. 14, 2006, which is hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Stored-value cards and other financial transaction cards come in manyforms. A gift card, for example is a type of stored-value card thatincludes pre-loaded or selectively loaded monetary value. In oneexample, a customer buys a gift card having a specified value forpresentation as a gift for another person. In another example, acustomer is offered a gift card as an incentive to make a purchase. Agift card like other stored-value cards, can be “recharged” or“reloaded” at the direction of the bearer. The balance associated withthe card declines as the card is used, encouraging repeat visits to theretailer or other provider issuing the card. Additionally, the cardgenerally remains in the users purse or wallet, serving as anadvertisement or reminder to revisit the associated retailer.Stored-value cards provide a number of advantages to both the consumerand the retailer.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One aspect of the present invention relates to a stored-value cardincluding a first housing member, a second housing member, and anaccount identifier. The first housing member defines a chamber, and thesecond housing member defines a cavity. The second housing member iscoupled with the first housing member to place the chamber and thecavity in communication with each other and to enclose the chamber andthe cavity between the first housing member and the second housingmember. The first housing member and the second housing membercollectively define a housing. The account identifier is coupled withthe housing, is machine readable, and is adapted to link thestored-value card to a financial account or a financial record. Otherrelated products and methods are also disclosed and provide additionaladvantages.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the invention will be described with respect to thefigures, in which like reference numerals denote like elements, and inwhich:

FIG. 1A is an exploded, right side, perspective view of one embodimentof a stored value card, according to the present invention.

FIG. 1B is a front view of the stored-value card of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1C is a back view of the stored-value card of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 2 is a left side, perspective view of one embodiment of a firsthousing member and a bubble wand, according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view illustration of the first housingmember of FIG. 1B taken along the line 3-3.

FIG. 4A is a front view of one embodiment of an unfolded carrier for astored-value card, according to the present invention.

FIG. 4B is a back of the unfolded carrier of FIG. 4A supporting astored-value card, according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart illustrating one embodiment of a method ofassembling a stored-value card, according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart illustrating one embodiment of a method ofproviding a stored-value card, according to the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a flow chart illustrating one embodiment of a method of usinga stored-value card, according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A gift card or other stored-value card is adapted for making purchasesof goods and/or services e.g. a retail store or website. According toone embodiment, an original consumer buys a stored-value card to give arecipient who in turn is able to use the stored-value card at a retailstore or setting to pay for the goods and/or services. A stored-valuecard, according to embodiments of the present invention, provides theconsumer and recipient with extra amusement addition to the ability topay for goods and/or services with the stored-value card.

In particular, the stored-value card presents the original consumer or arecipient with a container for receiving a bubble solution and a bubblewand. During use, the bubble wand can be inserted into the bubblesolution, removed from the bubble solution, and waved or blown toproduce bubbles, thereby amusing the consumer or recipient as well asany other observers. In one embodiment, the additional amusing aspect ofthe stored-value card promotes the sale and/or loading of thestored-value card by potential consumers and/or bearers of thestored-value card.

Turing to the figures, FIGS. 1A-1C each illustrate one embodiment of astored-value card 10 according to the present invention. Thestored-value card 10 includes a housing 12 and a bubble wand or otherbubble blowing device 14. Housing or enclosure 12 is configured tohousing bubble wand 14. In one embodiment, housing 12 includes a firsthousing member 16 and a second housing member 18 configured to beselectively coupled with first housing member 16. In one embodiment,bubble wand 14 is mounted to second housing member 18 and is configuredto extend into first housing member 16 when housing members 16 and 18are coupled together.

First housing member 16 includes first and second major panels 20 (FIG.1C) and 22 spaced from and extending substantially parallel with oneanother. In one embodiment, major panels 20 and 22 are eachsubstantially planar and are similarly sized and shaped. In oneembodiment, each major panel 20 and 22 is substantially rectangular.Side walls 24, 26, and 28 each extend from a different side of andbetween major panels 20 and 22. More specifically, where major panels 20and 22 are substantially rectangular, first side wall 24 extendssubstantially parallel to third side wall 28. Second side wall 26extends between first and third side walls 24 and 28. In view of thisconfiguration, first housing member 16 defines a chamber 32, which issubstantially enclosed except for an opening 34 formed opposite secondside wall 26.

In one embodiment, a flange 36 extends around opening 34. In particular,flange 36 extends from ends of first and second major panel 20 and 22and first and third side walls 24 and 28 that are opposite second sidewall 26. Flange 36 extends substantially parallel to, but inwardlyoffset from each of major panel 20 and 22 and side walls 24 and 28, awayfrom second side wall 26.

In one embodiment, first housing member 16 is formed by injectionmolding a plastic, acrylic styrene, or any other suitable material todefine the various attributes of first housing member 16. In oneembodiment, first housing member 16 is translucent or transparent. Inone example, first housing member 16 is found to be substantially rigid.

An account identifier 40 is included on first housing member 16. Accountidentifier 40 indicates a financial account or record to whichstored-value card 10 is linked. The account or record maintains themonetary balance on stored-value card 10 and is optionally stored on adatabase, other electronic or manual record-keeping system, or in thecase of “smart” cards for example, on a chip or other electronic deviceon stored-value card 10 itself. Accordingly, by scanning accountidentifier 40, a financial account or record linked to stored-value card10 is identified and can subsequently be activated, have amounts debitedtherefrom, and/or having amounts added thereto. In view of the above,account identifier 40 is one example of means for linking stored-valuecard 10 with a financial account or record.

In one embodiment, account identifier 40 is included on an outsidesurface 42 of first major panel 20 and is in the form of a bar code,magnetic strip, smart chip or other electronic device, radio frequencyidentification (RFID) device, or other suitable device or markingreadily readable by a point-of-sale terminal, account access station,kiosk, or other suitable device. In one example, where first housingmember 16 is translucent or transparent, an opaque field 44 is printedor otherwise applied to outside surface 42 and is configured to beprinted with account identifier 40. In the case of a bar code accountidentifier 40, opaque field 44 facilitates scanning of accountidentifier 40.

In one embodiment, redemption indicia 46 are included on outside surface42 of first housing member 16, such as on opaque field 44. Redemptionindicia 46 indicate that stored-value card 10 is redeemable for thepurchase of goods and/or services, and that, upon use, a value of thepurchased goods and/or services will be deducted from a financialaccount or record linked to a stored-value card 10. In one embodiment,redemption indicia 46 includes phrases such as “<NAME OF STORE>GiftCard” and “This GiftCard is redeemable for merchandise or servicesat any of our stores or at our website,” and/or provides help ortelephone information in a case of a lost, stolen, or damagedstored-value card, etc.

In one embodiment, other indicia are printed or otherwise disposed onone or more of outside surface 42 of first major panel 20 and an outsidesurface 48 of second major panel 22. Other indicia may be included onfirst housing member 16 such as other objects, text, backgrounds,graphics, brand identifiers, etc. In one example, additional indicia 50are disposed on outside surface 48 via a face panel 52. Face panel 52 isprinted with indicia 50 and is configured to be adhered or otherwiseattached to outside surface 48. In one embodiment, face panel 52 isformed of polyester printed with acrylic resin or with any othersuitable material and/or method of including indicia 50.

In one example, additional indicia 50 include decorative and/orinformative items, such as objects relating to the nature of thestored-value card 10. More specifically, in view of the inclusion ofbubble wand 14 in housing 12, indicia 50 may include illustrations orother depictions of bubbles. In one example, face panel 52 istranslucent or substantially transparent such that the contents, if any,of first housing member 16 can be viewed through not only face panel 52but also econd major panel 22. In one embodiment, indicia 50 mayalternatively or additionally identify a brand associated with astored-value card 10, such as identifying a product brand, a store brandor logo, etc. Other suitable combinations or selections of indicia 50 tobe displayed on face panel 52 are also contemplated.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, second housing member 18 includes first andsecond major panels 60 and 62. In one embodiment, major panels 60 and 62are substantially planar and are spaced from and extend substantiallyparallel with one another. Major panels 60 and 62 are similarly sizedand shaped. For instance, in one example, each major panel 60 and 62 issubstantially rectangular. Side walls 64, 66, and 68 each extend from adifferent side of and between major panels 60 and 62. More specifically,first side wall 64 extends substantially parallel to third side wall 68.Second side wall 66 extends between first and third side walls 64 and68. In view of this configuration, second housing member 18 defines acavity 70, which is substantially enclosed except for an opening 72formed opposite second side wall 66.

Major panels 60 and 62 and first and third side walls 64 and 68 eachdefine an area of reduced thickness 74 near and around opening 72. Areasof reduced thickness 74 are visible only from the inside of secondhousing member 18. In one embodiment, areas of reduced thickness 74extend from opening 72 a distance similar to a distance flange 36extends from opening 34 of first housing member 16. As such, areas ofreduced thickness are configured to receive flange 36 of first housingmember 16 as will be further described below.

In one example, a coupling feature 76 is positioned within secondhousing member 18 for receiving bubble wand 14. In one embodiment,coupling feature 76 is a hollow cylinder extending from second side wall66 as illustrated with additional reference to the cross-sectional viewof FIG. 3. In one embodiment, second housing member 18 is substantiallyrigid and is formed by injection molding a plastic such as high-impactpolystyrene or any other suitable material to define the variousattributes of second housing member 18. In one embodiment, secondhousing member is substantially opaque.

Referring to FIG. 1A, bubble wand 14 is any device suitable for creatingbubbles when dipped in the bubble solution. In one embodiment, bubblewand 14 includes a linear, elongated shaft 80 and a ring 82. Shaft 80defines a first end 84 and a second end 86 opposite first end 84. Ring82 extends from second end 86 away from first end 84. In one embodiment,ring 82 includes a plurality of protrusions 88 or other features tofurther facilitate the creation of bubbles as will be further describedbelow.

In one embodiment, stored-value card 10 includes a packet 90 containingat least a portion of the ingredients needed to make a bubble solution.In one embodiment, packet 90 includes a bubble power configured tobecome a bubble solution when mixed with water. In one embodiment,packet 90 includes a concentrated form of bubble solution that isexpanded by the addition of water. Packet 90 is sized and shaped to fitwithin cavity 70 of second housing member 18. In other embodiments, nopacket 90 is included in stored-value card 10.

During assembly, bubble wand 14 is coupled with second housing member18. In particular, first end 84 of bubble wand 14 is received bycoupling feature 76 of second housing member 18. As such, couplingfeature 76 is one example of means for coupling bubble wand 14 withhousing 12. First end 84 may be secured within coupling feature 76 by asnap-fit connection, with adhesive, and/or with any other suitableattachment device or substance. Packet 90, if any, is placed withincavity 70 near first end 84 of bubble wand 14. In one example, packet 90is maintained in position by friction fit or in any other suitablemanner. In view of the above, second housing member 16 with cavity 70 isone example of means for receiving a prepackaged portion of a bubblesolution where the prepackaged portion becomes the bubble solution whenmixed with water.

Following positioning of bubble wand 14 and/or packet 90 within secondhousing member 18, second housing member 18 is coupled with firsthousing member 16. In one embodiment, first housing member 16 is slidtoward and together with second housing member 18 such that flange 36 offirst housing member 16 is received by the areas of reduced thickness 74of second housing member 18. As such, first and second housing members16 and 18 collectively define housing 12 with bubble wand 14 beingmaintained therein. More specifically, second side wall 26 of firsthousing member 16 and second side wall 66 of second housing member 18each independent define an opposite, external end walls of housing 12.First and second housing members 16 and 18 collectively define oppositeexternal side walls of housing 12 each extending between side walls 26and 66. In one embodiment, the resulting housing 12 is substantiallyrectangular and sized similarly to an identification card, a creditcard, or other card sized to fit in a wallet of a user. In oneembodiments, housing 12 is shaped as a square, circle, oval, star, oranother suitable shape.

During use of stored-value card 10 for entertainment purposes, first andsecond housing members 16 and 18 are separated and packet 90, if any, isremoved from within second housing member 18. A bubble solution iscreated within cavity 70 of first housing member 16 either from scratchusing a known recipe or a recipe otherwise provided to the bearer ofstored-value card 10 or by mixing the contents of packet 90 with water.Subsequently, bubble wand 14 is dipped into the chamber 32 and, thereby,the bubble solution such that the bubble solution extends across ring 82of bubble wand 14. Air is forced across the bubble wand 14, moreparticularly, ring 82, by blowing on, waving or otherwise manipulatingbubble wand 14 to form bubbles.

FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate a carrier or backer 100 for supportingstored-value card 10 (FIGS. 1A-1C). Stored-value card 10 is readilyreleasably attached to backer 100, for example, by an adhesive or thelike, and is represented in phantom lines in FIG. 4A. Backer 100includes a single layer or multiply layers of paper or plastic material,for example, generally in the form of a relatively stiff butbendable/flexible card. Other materials are also contemplated. In oneembodiment, backer 100 is generally a planar substrate having agenerally elongated or rectangular shape. Accordingly, backer 100defines a first surface 102 (FIG. 4A) and a second surface 104 (FIG. 4B)opposite first surface 102. A tab 106 is generally centered at a firstlateral end of backer 100. In one example, a support arm aperture 108 isdefined within tab 106 and is configured to receive a support arm orhook. As such, an open backer 100 can be hung via aperture 108 on thesupport arm or hook for display in a retail setting.

Fold lines 110 and 112 each extend laterally across backer 100 and arespaced longitudinally from one another. More specifically, fold lines110 are positioned relatively near tab 106 as compared to fold lines112. A first panel 114, a second or intermediate panel 116, and a thirdpanel 118 are defined by the position of fold lines 110 and 112. Firstpanel 114 extends from fold lines 110 away from fold line 112 andincludes tab 106. Second or intermediate panel 116 extends between foldlines 110 and 112. Third panel 118 extends from fold lines 112 in adirection opposite fold lines 110. A laterally extending slit 120 islaterally centered on third panel 118. In one example, a firsttransition panel 122 is defined between fold lines 110 and a secondtransition panel 124 is defined between fold lines 112. In otherembodiments, rather than providing multiple fold lines 110, a singlefold line 110 is provided. Similarly, in one embodiment, a single foldline 112 is provided as opposed to the multiple fold lines 112illustrated in FIG. 4A.

In one example, first surface 102 is configured to receive stored-valuecard 10 (illustrated in FIG. 1) as generally indicated by broken line132 (FIG. 4A). Stored-value card 10 will be adhered or otherwise coupledto first surface 102 of intermediate panel 116. In one embodiment,backer 100 additionally defines a window or opening 134 for displayingaccount identifier 40 of stored-value card 10 as illustrated in the rearview of FIG. 4B. As previously described, account identifier 40 isadapted for accessing a financial account or record associated withstored-value card 10 for activating, loading, or debiting from theaccount or record. Accordingly, opening 134 allows access to accountidentifier 40 to activate and/or load stored-value card 10 withoutremoving stored-value card 10 from backer 100.

In one embodiment, backer 100 displays additional indicia, graphics ortext information including store logo(s), store name(s), slogans,advertising, instructions, directions, brand indicia, promotionalinformation, media format identifiers (e.g. characters, logos, scenes,or other illustrations relating to at least one of a movie, televisionshow, book, etc.), characters, and/or other information. For example,first surface 102 includes indicia 140, 142, 144, and/or 146. Indicia140 include to, from, message, and initial value fields. Indicia 140instruct an original consumer to write or otherwise depict on backer 100the name of the recipient, the name of the original consumer or otherpresenter, a message regarding why stored-value card 10 is beingpresented, or any other suitable sentiment, and for indicating for whatamount is initially stored to the financial transaction account orrecord associated with stored-value card 10.

Indicia 142 indicate that stored-value card is redeemable for thepurchase of goods and/or services and that, upon use, of value ofpurchased goods and/or services will be deducted from the financialaccount or record linked to stored-value card 10. In one embodimentindicia 142 include phrases “<NAME OF STORE> GiftCard and “This GiftCardis redeemable for merchandise or services at any of our stores or at ourwebsite” and/or provides help or phone line information in case of alost, stolen, or damaged stored-value card 10, etc.

Indicia 144 are decorative indicia and generally improve the astheticappeal and marketing draw of backer 100. In one embodiment, indicia 144are positioned and configured to correspond with or incorporate indicia50 of stored-value card 10 upon of placement of stored-value card 10 onbacker 100. For example, in one embodiment wherein the stored-value card10 includes indicia 50 depicting a plurality of bubbles (for example,bubbles depicted by a plurality of concentric circles as illustrated inFIG. 1A), decorative indicia 144 may also include a similar orcoordinating plurality of bubbles (i.e., concentric circles) to presentan overall cohesive visual presentation to a user when stored-value card10 is placed on backer 100.

Indicia 146 identify a store, brand, department, media title or logo,e.g. a title or logo of a movie, book, television show, video game etc.associated with stored-value card 10, etc. In one embodiment, indicia146 are additionally or alternatively included on first surface 102and/or second surface 104 of backer 100. Additional information besidesthat specifically described and illustrated herein may also be included.Other indicia, e.g. indicia promoting that stored-value card 10 includesbubble wand, bubble packet 90 or general directions as to how to usestored-value card 10, bubble wand, and bubble packet 90 as generallyillustrated at 148. In one embodiment, indicia 148 provide instructionson how to mix solution from scratch where no packet 90 is included instored-value card 10. or also contemplated, any of indicia 140, 142,144, 146, 148, or other indicia, optionally may appear anywhere onbacker 100 or stored-value card 10.

Backer 100 is configured to receive stored-value card 10 on firstsurface 102 of intermediate panel 116. In particular, stored-value card10 is releasably adhered or otherwise secured to intermediate panel 116as indicated generally at 132. In one example, once stored-value card 10is secured to backer 100, decorative indicia 50 of stored-value card 10coordinates a decorative indicia 144 of backer 100. In one embodiment,backer 100 is hung from a support arm or hook for display in a retailsetting in a manner in which at least stored-value card 10 and theportion of surface 102 of backer 100 is visible to potential consumers.In this manner, potential consumers are able to view stored-value card10 prior to purchase of stored-valued card 10. In this respect, indicia144 likely serves to entice a potential consumer to purchasestored-value card 10.

During purchase, account identifier 40 of stored-value card 10 isaccessed at a point of sale via opening 134 to activate, load, and/ordebit from the account associated with stored-value card 10. Afterpurchase, backer 100 is configured such that after purchase, first panel114 and third panel 118 are foldable about fold lines 110 and 112,respectively, to enclose or selectively wrap stored-value card 10 asdesired. More particularly, third panel 118 is rotated about fold lines112 so that first surface 102 of third panel 118 is moved towards firstsurface 102 of intermediate panel 116. Subsequently, first panel 114 isrotated about fold lines 110 so that first surface 102 of first panel114 is moved toward first surface 102 of intermediate panel 116.

In one embodiment, each fold line 110 and 112 includes twolongitudinally spaced fold lines to more easily accommodate thethickness of stored-value card 10 when backer 100 is in a foldedposition. In this respect, after folding, each of first panel 114,second panel 116, and third panel 118 are positioned to be substantiallyparallel with and/or overlap one another. For example, first panel 114at least partially overlaps third panel 118. Tab 106 is slid into slit120 of third panel 118 to selectively lock backer 100 in a folded orclosed position (not shown) about stored-value card 10. Folding of firstand third panels 114 and 118 of backer 100 in the opposite directionsabout fold lines 110 and 112 for display in a retail store is alsocontemplated.

When in the folded position, stored-value card 10 is selectively wrappedfor presentation to a recipient of stored-value card 10. Upon receipt,the recipient unfolds backer 100 to access stored-value card 10.Accordingly recipient or other bearer can use stored-value card 10 as atoy for producing bubbles or as tender in financial transactions.Backers similar to backer 100 can be used with various sizes and shapesof stored-value cards 10. Other backers or packages are alsocontemplated for supporting and/or substantially enclosing stored-valuecard 10.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart illustrating one embodiment of a method 300 ofassembling stored-value card 10 with backer 100. Additionally referringto FIG. 1A, at 302, stored-value card 10 is assembled. At 304, bubblewand 14 is coupled with second housing member 18. More specifically,first end 84 of bubble wand 14 is received by coupling feature 76 ofsecond housing member and secured via snap fit, with adhesive, or in anyother suitable manner.

At 306, package 90, if any, is placed within cavity 70 of second housingmember 18. In one example, second housing member 18 is opaque such thatpacket 90 is substantially hidden from view when placed therein. Before,after, or simultaneously with operations 304 and 306, face panel 52 isapplied to outside surface 48 first housing member 16 at 308. At 310,first and second housing members 16 and 18 are slid and coupledtogether. More specifically, flange 36 of first housing member 16 isreceived by area of reduced thickness 74 of second housing member 18. Assuch, housing members 16 and 18 are coupled together via a friction fit.

At 312, the assembled stored-value card 10 is coupled with backer 100 toform a stored-value card assembly 160 (FIG. 4B). In one example,stored-value card 10 is coupled to backer 100 with an adhesive or otherselectively releasable material or device such that account identifier40 is viewable through opening 134 of backer 100 as illustrated in FIG.4B. In one embodiment, backer 100 is folded into a folded position forshipment and/or display to retail settings. Backer 100 is, morespecifically, folded by folding backer 100 about fold line(s) 110 tomate the backer surfaces illustrated in FIG. 4B. As such, a portion ofbacker 100 with stored-value card 10 is visible from one side of foldedbacker 100. Backer 100 can also be folded in the opposite directionabout fold line(s) 110 to substantially enclosed stored-value card 10.In one embodiment, backer 100 is displayed in an unfolded position hungfrom a support arm via support arm aperture 108.

FIG. 7 is a flow chart illustrating one embodiment of a method 320 ofproviding stored-value card assembly 160 for sale to and for use byconsumers. At 322, stored-value card assembly 160 is placed or hung froma rack, shelf, or similar device to display stored-value card assembly160 for sale to potential consumers. In one example, stored-value cardassembly 160 is placed for sale such that stored-value card 10 isvisible to potential consumers. In one embodiment, a depiction ofstored-value card assembly 160 is placed on a website for viewing andpurchase by potential consumers. In one embodiment, stored-value card 10is displayed without backer 100.

At 324, a consumer, who has decided to purchase stored-value card 10,presents stored-value card assembly 160 or at least stored-value card 10to a retail store employee, retail store kiosk, or other person ordevice to scan account identifier 40 of stored-value card 10 throughopening 134 in backer 100 to access the financial account or recordlinked to account identifier 40. Upon accessing the financial account orrecord, the account or record is accessed and value is added to thefinancial account or record at 326. Thus, stored-value card 10 isactivated and loaded. Once stored-value card 10 is activated and loaded,stored-value card 10 can be used by the consumer or any other bearer ofstored-value card 10 to purchase goods and/or services at the retailstore or other affiliated retail setting or website.

At 328, the retail store or other affiliated retail setting or websiteaccepts stored-value card 10 as payment towards the purchase of goodsand/or services made by the current bearer of stored-value card 10. Inparticular, the value currently loaded on stored-value card 10 isapplied towards the purchase of goods and/or services. At 330,additional value is optionally loaded on stored-value card 10 at apoint-of-sale terminal, kiosk, or other area of the retail store orrelated setting. Upon accepting stored-value card 10 as payment at 328,the retail store or related setting can subsequently perform eitheroperation 328 again or operation 330 as requested by a current bearer ofstored-value card 10. Similarly, upon loading additional value tostored-value card 10 at 330, the retail store or related setting cansubsequently perform either operation 330 again or operation 328. In oneexample, the ability to accept stored-value card 10 as payment for goodsand/or services is limited by whether the financial account or recordassociated with stored-value card 10 has any value at the time ofattempted redemption.

FIG. 8 is a flow chart illustrating one embodiment of a method 350 ofusing stored-value card 10. At 352, a potential consumer of stored-valuecard 10, which is displayed in a retail store or viewed on a website,decides to and does purchase stored-value card 10 from the retail storeor website setting. Stored-value card 10 can be displayed and purchasedalone or as part of the stored-value card assembly 160. Upon purchasingof stored-value card 10, a retail store employee, retail store kiosk, orother person scans account identifier 40 and to thereby activate or loadvalue onto stored-value card 10.

At 354, the consumer optionally gives stored-value card 10 to arecipient, such as a graduate, relative, friend, expectant parents, onehaving a recent or impending birthday, a couple having a recent orimpending anniversary, etc. As an alternative, the consumer can keepstored-value card 10 for his or her own use.

At 356, the consumer or recipient, whoever is in current ownership orotherwise is the current bearer of stored-value card 10, plays withstored-value card 10. More specifically, the bearer removes stored-valuecard 10 from backer 100, if stored-value card 10 is coupled with backer100. The bearer opens housing 12 by separating first housing member 16from second housing member 18. Otherwise stated, the bearer graspssecond housing member 16 to moves bubble wand 14 from a first positionwithin housing 12 to a second position outside of housing 12. In thismanner, second housing member is one example of means for handlingbubble wand 14.

Subsequently, the bearer can mix the bubble solution in chamber 32 offirst housing member 16 and use bubble wand 14 with the resultant bubblesolution to create bubbles, thereby, entertaining the bearer ofstored-value card and other observers. In view of the above, housing 32is one example of means for defining a bubble solution. Further, bubblewand 14 is one example of means for blowing a bubble with a bubblesolution, and housing 12 is one example of means for enclosing bubblewand 14

At 358, the current bearer of stored-value card 10 redeems stored-valuecard 10 for goods and/or services from the retail store or website. At360, the current bearer of stored-value card 10 optionally adds value tostored-value card 10, and more particularly, to the financial account orfinancial record associated with stored-value card 10, at the retailstore or over the Internet. Upon playing with stored-value card 10 at356, redeeming stored-value card 10 at 358, or adding value tostored-value card 10 at 360, the current bearer of stored-value card 10subsequently can perform any of operations 356, 358, or 360 as desired.In one embodiment, the ability of the current bearer to repeat redeemingstored-value card 10 at 358 is limited by whether the financial accountor record associated with stored-value card 10 has any value at the timeof attempted redemption.

Although described above as occurring at single retail store or website,in one embodiment, purchasing stored-value card 10 at 352, redeemingstored-value card 10 at 358, and adding value to stored-value card 10 at360, can each be performed at any one of a number of stores adapted toaccept stored-value card 10 or over the Internet. In one example, thenumber of stores are each a part of a chain or similarly branded stores.In one example, the number of stores includes at least one websiteand/or at least one conventional brick and mortar store.

Stored-value cards come in many forms, according to embodiments of theinvention. The gift card, like other stored-value cards, can be“recharged” or “reloaded” at the direction of the original consumer, thegift recipient, or third party. The term “loading on” or “loaded on”herein should be interpreted to include adding the balance of afinancial account or record associated with a stored-value card. Thebalance associated with a stored-value card declines as the card isused, encouraging repeat visits. The card remains in the users purse orwallet, serving as an advertisement or reminder to revisit theassociated merchant. Gift card, according to embodiment so theinvention, providing a number of advantages to both the consumer and themerchant. Other gift cards and stored-value cards according toembodiments of the invention include loyalty cards, merchandise returncards, electronic gift certificates, employee cards, frequent c cards,pre-paid cards and other types of cards associated with or representingpurchasing power or monetary value, for example.

Although the invention has been described to particular embodiments,such embodiments are for illustrative purposes only and should not beconsidered to limit the invention. Various alternatives and changes willbe apparent to those with ordinary skills in the art. Othermodifications within the scope of the invention in its vary embodimentswill be apparent of ordinary skill.

1. A stored-value card comprising: a first housing member defining a chamber; a second housing member defining a cavity and being coupled with the first housing member to place the chamber and the cavity in communication with each other and to enclose the chamber and the cavity between the first housing member and the second housing member, wherein the first housing member and the second housing member collectively define a housing; and an account identifier coupled with the housing, wherein the account identifier is machine readable and adapted to link the stored-value card to a financial account or a financial record.
 2. The stored-value card of claim 1, wherein the account identifier includes one of a bar code, a magnetic strip, a smart chip, and a radio frequency identification device.
 3. The stored-value card of claim 1, further comprising an article enclosed within the housing.
 4. The stored-value card of claim 3, wherein the article is at least partially maintained within each of the chamber and the cavity.
 5. The stored-value card of claim 3, wherein the article is coupled to the second housing member.
 6. The stored-value card of claim 5, wherein the article includes a shaft extending from the second housing member into the chamber of the first housing member.
 7. The stored-value card of claim 6, wherein the article is a bubble wand, and the chamber is configured to maintain a bubble solution.
 8. The stored-value card of claim 3, wherein the article includes a packet.
 9. The stored-value card of claim 1, wherein the housing defines a substantially rectangular shape.
 10. The stored-value card of claim 1, wherein the first housing member defines a flange, and the second housing member defines an area of reduced thickness, and wherein the flange is received by the area of reduced thickness when the first housing member is coupled with the second housing member.
 11. The stored-value card of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first housing member and the second housing member is one of transparent and translucent
 12. The stored-value card of claim 1, wherein the housing is substantially rectangular and the first housing member independently defines a first side of the housing, and the second housing member independently defines a second side of the housing opposite the first side.
 13. The stored-value card of claim 12, wherein a portion of the first housing member is received within the cavity of the second housing member when the first housing member is coupled to the second housing member.
 14. The stored-value card of claim 1, wherein the first housing member and the second housing member each have a similar width.
 15. The stored-value card of claim 1, wherein the first housing member and the second housing member couple together with a friction fit.
 16. The stored-value card of claim 1, wherein the account identifier is printed to the housing.
 17. A financial transaction card comprising: means for defining a storage chamber and an opening to the storage chamber; means for covering and extending around an outside of the opening to the storage chamber, wherein the means for defining the storage chamber and the means for covering and extending around an outside of the opening are selectively couplable with one another; and means for linking the financial transaction card to a financial account or a financial record such that the financial transaction card can be used as tender toward the purchase of one or more of goods and services.
 18. The financial transaction card of claim 17, further comprising at least one item at least partially maintained within the storage chamber.
 19. The financial transaction card of claim 17, wherein the means for covering and extending around the outside of the opening defines a cavity for at least partially maintaining at least one item.
 20. A method of encouraging purchase and facilitating use of a financial transaction card linked to a financial account or a financial record, the method comprising: displaying a financial transaction card to a potential consumer, the financial transaction card including an enclosure including two pieces and storing at least one item therein, wherein the at least one item is removable and formed separately from the enclosure and is at least partially maintained within each of the two pieces of the enclosure; activating the financial transaction card to permit deductions from the financial account or financial record; and receiving the financial transaction card as payment for goods or services, a value of the goods or services being deducted from the financial account or the financial record. 